Tue
·
Feb 23
2010

2010 Jefferson County Primary Election to be Conducted by Mail Ballot

by Pam Anderson, Clerk & Recordercomments open from February 23 until March 14

In a public hearing today, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution presented by the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder to conduct the August 10, 2010, Primary Election as a mail ballot election. Although Jefferson County has conducted all mail ballot elections in every odd-numbered year since 1993, this marks the first time the county will conduct an even-year election by mail ballot.

Legislation passed by the Colorado General Assembly in 2009 allowed for this move, which will save Jefferson County between 40-50 percent of the cost of conducting a polling place election in August. The change also closely reflects voter preference in Jefferson County over the past several years.

“Ninety-four percent of the people who voted in the 2008 Primary Election chose to cast their ballot by mail, even when polling places were available,” said Clerk and Recorder Pam Anderson. “Based on that information, the potential cost savings to the county’s taxpayers and the public comments we’ve received over the last few weeks, we are very pleased to be able to use this model for our Primary Election.”

Between January 29 and February 12, the County Clerk & Recorder received public comment on whether to conduct the Primary Election by mail ballot. Ninety-six percent of public feedback submitted to the Clerk and Recorder’s Office was in support of this election model.

“It was important to hear from Jeffco citizens before making this decision,” said Anderson. “We also met with the county chairs of both major parties as well as representatives from the League of Women Voters, and all responded positively,” she added.

Mail Ballot Elections provide a convenient means for voters to participate in elections and has increased voter participation in elections. Seventy percent of active registered voters in Jefferson County have already declared a preference to permanently vote by mail ballot.

Ballots for the Primary Election will be mailed to voters beginning the week of July 19 in advance of the August 10 Primary.